Frank J. Anderson (Sept. 1, 1938 – Apr. 30, 2022). Frank Anderson grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he attended Shortridge High School. He was a member of the school’s wrestling team and… Read More »Frank J. Anderson
John J. Barton (June 23, 1906-May 4, 2004). The son of Irish immigrants Patrick and Nora Prendergast Barton, John J. Barton was born in Indianapolis. He graduated from Cathedral High School and earned… Read More »John J. Barton
Richard I. Blankenbaker (Dec. 7, 1930-Nov. 18, 1988). Born in New Albany, Indiana, Richard Blankenbaker began his long career in the grocery business at age 12, working as a stock boy at a… Read More »Richard I. Blankenbaker
George V. Coffin (May 18, 1875-Apr. 10, 1938). A native of Jay County, Indiana, “Cap” Coffin was the son of William and Melinda Ellen Coffin, who were Quakers. Left an orphan at age 11,… Read More »George V. Coffin
Department of Public Safety Part of the executive branch of Indianapolis-Marion County government, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) was one of six departments created under UNIGOV. It was charged with keeping order and… Read More »Department of Public Safety
Albert G. Feeney (Nov. 12, 1892-Nov. 12, 1950). Albert G. Feeney attended St. John’s School (see St. John Catholic Church) and Manual High School in Indianapolis, then went to the University of Notre… Read More »Albert G. Feeney
Indianapolis Fire Department The first recorded fire in Indianapolis in a newly built wooden tavern opposite the courthouse on Washington Street, on January 17, 1825, found the city without a firefighting force (see… Read More »Indianapolis Fire Department
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Residents of early Indianapolis prided themselves on the orderliness of the community. The peace was kept with a town marshal, the sheriff (HERVEY BATES SR. being the first) and a few… Read More »Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department
Marion County Sheriff The office of county sheriff is established by the Indiana Constitution. The first sheriff of Marion County, Hervey Bates, was appointed by the state legislature when the county was established… Read More »Marion County Sheriff
Tanselle-Adams Commission Mayor William Hudnut Iii established the Tanselle-Adams Commission on November 26, 1980, to investigate police practices involving the use of deadly force and to develop recommendations to improve relations between… Read More »Tanselle-Adams Commission
